Valentine's Day: Tales of love, gifts and Beirut

After 60 years of marriage, Charlene and Ralph Bauer still kiss each other good night and good morning. The high school sweethearts are best buddies and confidants.

"Our first date was arranged by best friends of each of us," said Charlene.

He picked her up for the date in the alley of the Tick Tock restaurant in Toluca Lake where she worked. It was Oct. 1, 1949.

After they graduated from North Hollywood High, Charlene says she followed Ralph to UCLA, where he played freshman basketball during John Wooden's first year of coaching there. The two married in June 1952. Ralph holds a doctorate in chemistry.

"We believe in young marriages," Ralph said. He was 21 and Charlene was 19 when they wed.

In December of that same year, Ralph went to Korea, where he served in combat aboard mine sweepers in the Korean War for 15 months. Charlene supported Ralph in his subsequent career at Shell Oil, and at Unocal for more than 27 years in positions ranging from research chemist to international marketing manager.

Charlene taught in Glendale and then Garden Grove.

The Bauers moved to Huntington Beach in 1964 with their children, Eric and Elaine, and immediately began volunteering. Charlene started Friends of the Library in the couple's Huntington Harbour living room. Ralph was on the board that approved building Ocean View High School, served on the City Council for a decade and was mayor of Huntington Beach. The couple support Amigos de Bolsa Chica.

Ralph was named Citizen of the Year in 2004. The couple continues to sit on boards and committees around town. A proud moment for both was attending the dedication of Bauer Park, named after Ralph, at 21401 Newland St. It's on 2 acres with picnic tables, and lots of green.

"He is my superhero," his wife said.

What makes their long marriage last?

"The foundation of a successful marriage is to honor your wife," said Ralph. "Never do anything to dishonor her."

Ralph says he and Charlene continue their courtship by having a weekly date night.

"We go watch a movie and eat candy bars," she said.

Their favorite movie of all time? "The Best Years of Our Lives."

They also enjoy the symphony and musicals. Charlene has been a member of the Huntington Harbour Philharmonic Committee for decades.

For their 60th wedding anniversary, the couple celebrated with family in Palm Desert. Their children and grandchildren are very important, both agree on that.

Next up for the couple is planning a trip to Turkey. They've been to Hawaii often and like to cruise around Huntington Harbour in their Duffy.

"How can you improve on paradise?" Charlene said.

After 60 years, Ralph says there is a line in one of their favorite movies, "Singin' in the Rain," that sums up his feelings for Charlene: "Our love will last till the stars grow cold."

MORE UNFORGETTABLE MEMORIES

Some are wonderful, some are odd and others are one-of-a-kind. They're all unforgettable. Here's a sampling of Valentine's Day memories from Surf City residents:

Katie Goetzinger

In 2005 I was with a small group of friends on a Middle East adventure. We arrived in Beirut midafternoon Feb. 14, at the Sheraton Hotel. In the hotel lobby we were struck with two things – exuberant Valentine's decorations with roses everywhere. In contrast, the staff was extremely somber.

We were confused and asked why they were so serious. We were told in whispers that the beloved former prime minister, Rasic Hariri, had just been assassinated. His car was blown up a block away. The five of us and a few others were the only patrons in the rose-bedecked ballroom. No revelry, no dancing – only a sad little group of worried tourists.

When we left, the waiters thrust many bouquets of red roses into our arms, saying there was no need for them there, and suggesting we enjoy them in our rooms. It's a lovely city, but everything was shut down in Beirut, and the only activity was around the mosque where workmen were busily washing walls in preparation for Hariri's funeral.

After a few pictures we were happy to taxi back to the airport for a flight to Amman, Jordan, and then on to Cairo and the Nile.

Gigi Ashbeck

Many years ago I hinted and hinted that all I wanted was a brand new black Jaguar XJ5 with a silver Jaguar on the hood. On Valentine's Day my significant other at the time led me out to the driveway, and there it was -- with a big red bow on top. I was speechless, and I loved that car! It lasted longer than the relationship.

Joyce Zimmerman Ochs

At work I received a call from the receptionist. She informed me there was a delivery, and I should see it while the delivery guys were still there. On the way there, I could hear her yelling and saying that she knew the real flowers were in the truck.

When I saw the package, I couldn't believe it. A tacky flat basket of horrible processed cheeses and salami, and a single rose stem with a water tube at the end. The bud was cut off, all of it was brown like it'd been cut off months ago. The delivery guy said he didn't know what happened. The florist insisted a bouquet had been made, and sent. Not that cheesy basket.

A beautiful replacement arrangement of red roses was delivered the following day. I have laughed and laughed over this memory for years.

Marlene Nielsen

One Valentine's Day my husband, Chris, gave me a paper shredder! Our son Roy was 6 at the time and said 'Boy, Dad, that is really romantic.' We talk about that one every Valentine's Day.

Ted and Linda Cohen

Several years ago my husband was sick in bed on Valentine's Day. When I came home from the gym there was a beautiful red heart balloon and a 10-pound wrapped-up chocolate bar. I was so surprised, because even though he was really sick, he'd arranged it the day before for me. I love him!

Diane Moore

Years ago, my husband and I decided to attend a pricey Valentine's dinner and dance at a new high-rise hotel on Pacific Coast Highway. After a mediocre dinner and the same kind of service, we decided to enjoy a few dances, then leave. When we requested our tab, we were unfortunately advised that their new computer system had crashed, and all attending were to stay there – practically held hostage – until they could figure out how to collect all of our bills.

After an hour of waiting with many angry patrons, and the wait staff in a tizzy, we didn't know how much worse this evening could get. Then a young man approached the bandstand, asked for a musical request and got down on one knee to propose to a future bride. She said NO and immediately left the ballroom. So much for a romantic evening!

Cindy Osterhout

Cindy Osterhout came to Harbour View Elementary School in 1980.

She spent 27 years as a teacher, and is in her sixth year as principal.

Osterhout estimates she's received more than 1,000 Valentine cards and gifts during her time at the school.

"I've received every kind of candy there is, stuffed animals, handmade items, cards, letters, and treasure all of them," she said.

Her most unusual gift?

"One student brought me a half used bottle of perfume that was her mom's, because she liked the way it smelled, and thought I should have it," she said.

SWEET GIFTS FOR YOUR SWEETIE – OR YOUR POOCH

Check out these local shops to find a great gift for your valentine.

Love n' Bloom

It's all about romance here. For 35 years customers have been free to use their imaginations (or Love n' Bloom's super creative team) to create beautiful bouquets, embroidered items and more. Ask about using a special picture on a jewelry box, compact, mug, coaster, mouse pad or puzzle.

"Everyone should remember that although Valentine's Day is on the 14th, getting their present one day early makes everyone jealous," said owner Carmen Fober.

There's also a special sweetheart cake for two in red velvet, with cream cheese and butter cream icing. Like chocolate? How about devil's food with chocolate mousse. Or try a strawberry shortcake with golden vanilla chiffon and whipped cream with strawberries.

Take a few minutes to look in the four front windows. The window decorations change every six to eight weeks. Right now it's a Valentine's Day treat for the eyes.

Once you enter the store, you will truly be amazed. A lip-shaped telephone with red rhinestones, red hearts that open into tiny treasure boxes with a candy inside, fur robes, fancy champagne carriers, unique glasses, candles and a silk blindfold are just a few more items.

"We have something special for every budget," said owner Diane Souter.

Why should humans have all the fun? At Animalia you can treat your pet in style. Pink kitty collars, baked doggie treats, locally made bandanas decorated in cupcake and heart prints, and lots of toys. Fido and Fluffy will love you even more.